The authorised economic operator is such an economic operator having special status, who is reliable throughout the Community in the context of his customs related operations, and therefore, is entitled to enjoy facilitations concerning security and customs controls, and to benefit from customs simplifications on the basis of customs regulations throughout the Community.

The status is recognised by customs authorities in all Member States, independently where it is issued. As the aim of AEO provisions is to provide international supply chain security, and to improve the security of international trade, in the interest of mutual recognition the EU negotiates with more third countries.

Acquiring the AEO status is only a possibility yet, but the modifications and orientations of legislations concerning AEO even now make definitely clear, that after the end of grace period without having this authorisation even those well working customs procedures won’t be able to operate in its earlier form, the different conditions of authorisation will be more difficult.

Traders, economic operators without having AEO certificate will be at a disadvantage to those who has AEO status, as for the goods of less reliable economic operators an increased control will be introduced.

Besides it can be effectively experienced that having this status is even now appears as a kind of requirement in partner relationships.

Indirect benefits of AEO status:

• Better business reputation
• Fewer delayed shipments, improved planning
• Reduced security and safety incidents
• Improving internal safety and controlling processes in the company
• More efficient intra-company communication
• Improved communication between partners
• Common EU database of AEO

The AEO system has come into force since 1st January 2008, so submitting applications for AEO certificate is possible since that time at the competent Regional Control Centre.

In the international supply chain there are different stakeholders. The different kind of economic operators in the international supply chain relevant from a customs perspective are the following:

• Manufacturer
• Exporter
• Freight forwarder
• Warehouse keeper
• Customs Agent
• Carrier
• Importer

Accordingly who can classify its company into any of the above mentioned categories is surly interested in acquiring some kind of AEO status, which can be the following depending on the company’s needs and place in the above classification:

• AEO Certificate – “Customs simplifications”:
  Its main advantage is in case applying for simplifications customs authority shall not re-examine those conditions which have already been fulfilled when granting the AEO certificate.
• AEO Certificate – “Security and Safety”:
  Its main benefits are the following: fewer physical and document-based controls, prior notification by customs office, priority in case of physical control, and reduced data content for import/export summary declaration.
• AEO Certificate – “Customs simplifications / Security and Safety”
  It is issued to any economic operator established in the Community who fulfils the criteria of customs compliance, appropriate record-keeping standards, financial solvency, and maintains appropriate security and safety standards and who wants to benefit from all AEO benefit.

In case our company is charged with acquiring and preparation of AEO status dependent on agreement, type of economic operator, type of required AEO certificate, our company coordinate the cooperation among the principal’s departments, premises, its partners, customs authorities and any other competent authority, the realization of specified aims in due time, determination of competency and the scope of duties. In case of need we modify together with the principal’s employees the documents and proceedings which should be made by the competent employees due to regulations and requirements of authorities.